Entry Level Geopolitical Risk Analyst Jobs in Irwin, IL

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers-literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission-your opportunity-is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Responsibilities:

The Business Development & Strategic Partnerships function at JPL supports the identification, development, and capture of work with a range of external sponsors, including commercial, civil, and international partners. This portfolio requires effective tools, data visibility, and process support to enable opportunity tracking, pipeline management, and informed strategic decision-making.

This Business Analyst APX internship is designed to support the development of data-driven tools and lightweight applications that enhance the team's ability to manage and scale business capture activities. The participant will contribute to efforts that improve how the organization tracks opportunities, analyzes portfolio performance, and streamlines internal processes. In doing so, the participant will help translate business needs into practical, user-focused solutions-leveraging JPL's collaborative and data platforms to build dashboards, automate workflows, and develop internal tools and sites that enable more efficient and informed decision-making across the portfolio (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Power BI, Power Automate/Power Apps, and SharePoint-based environments).

This internship reinforces a student's academic foundations in business, data analytics, information systems, and technology through real-world applications while enabling them to build a portfolio of tangible work products such as dashboards, tools, sites, and automated workflows that demonstrate applied learning and can be showcased in future coursework or capstone projects. It strengthens technical proficiency with industry-standard enterprise tools, enhances analytical thinking through projects involving opportunity evaluation, data organization, and decision support, and develops collaboration skills by immersing the student in real business development workflows alongside professionals across multiple teams

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Working alongside team members to understand business development workflows, data needs, and opportunity lifecycle processes

• Applying classroom knowledge to design and develop dashboards, trackers, and lightweight applications that support opportunity tracking and portfolio visibility

• Gaining experience in process improvement by supporting the automation of manual workflows using appropriate tools

• Learning how to organize and structure data from multiple sources to enable consistent reporting and analysis

• Assisting in the development of internal team sites or knowledge-sharing platforms to improve information accessibility and usability

• Supporting the preparation of business development materials, including proposal summaries, pitch decks, and briefing content for internal leadership review

• Gaining exposure to portfolio analyses such as sponsor assessments, opportunity evaluations, and risk-informed decision support

• Iterating on tools and solutions based on feedback, learning how to refine products for usability and adoption.

Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled at least half-time at an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field

• Must be available to work 20 hours per week

• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite - Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with and interpret data Demonstrated interest in both business strategy and technical implementation (e.g., coursework, projects, or prior experience) Ability to work in a team environment

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly present ideas, findings, and recommendations

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

• Must have a Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data analysis, visualization, or dashboard development (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools)

• Familiarity with workflow automation or low-code/no-code platforms (e.g., Power Automate, Power Apps, or similar)

• Experience working with structured and unstructured data (e.g., Excel, databases, or basic scripting such as Python)

• Interest in business development, strategy, or project/program support within a technical organization

• Experience preparing presentations, reports, or briefing materials for stakeholders

• Familiarity with collaboration and content platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar environments)

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.